Description: A rare example of John Cary's 1808 New Universal Atlas. Near complete contains 57 of the 60 folio sized maps noted in the index, missing only Great Britain, Florida, and North America. All other maps, including the valuable maps of the United States, the Great Lakes, the West Indies, and the East Indies are present. Most maps are in superb condition. Some of the maps at the beginning of the Atlas, especially the large format maps of Scotland and Russia that fold out of the atlas have some minor creasing because of improper folding, which shoudl iron out with little difficulty. There is no substantial discoloration or damage to the atlas. Maps in general are free from fold discoloration or other major damage. Maps of the Eastern and Western Hemisphere have some minor damage where the two sheets that make up each of these maps are joined. Missing title page. Front cover included by detached form spind. Else clean and beautiful. A rare example of a magnificent Atlas. Please feel free to email or call with questions or to make an appointment to examine the atlas in person in New York City.
As a side note, the map of India contained in this atlas has an interesting hand written note in the margin that gives some insight into the original owner of the atlas. The note reads:
Examined this map on Sunday evening June 8th 1823 with the Bishop of Calcutta where he traced his intended travels through his Diocese. It was the last Sunday save one that he spent in England. This was his farewell visit to us. -Stephanie June 9 1823.
The Bishop in question was Reginald Heber of the Church of England. Heber labored indefatigably for the Church in India and for the spread of Christianity in general throughout Asia. Today his is remembered for his exceptionally beautiful hymns and through the college that bears his name in Trichy (India), Bishop Heber College.
Condition: Very good. See description.
Publisher: John Cary (1754-1835) began his work as an engraver, cartographer and globe maker in 1876 with his “New and Correct English Atlas”. This important atlas represented a new phase in cartography where accuracy and detail rose in prominence over the decorative embellishments of the 18th century. This change was indicative of the times when travel and commerce were expanding globally as never before. Cary’s mastery of both engraving and cartography resulted in a series of seminal works that redefined mapmaking in the early 19th century. His stupendous “Cary’s Universal Atlas’ set the standard for all cartographers who followed. His work particularly inspired the Edinburgh school of cartography as represented by Pinkerton and Thomson. Cary’s last published Atlas appeared in 1834, one year before his death, however, but the mid 19th century Cary’s work was being carried on by his sons and other well known cartographers including James Wyld, Tallis & Company, and Crutchley.
Size: Individual folio pages measure roughly 25 x 21 inches.
Provenance: New York private collection.
Shipping: Item is heavy and large. It will be shipped via USPS Priority or Express Mail, your choice within the USA. Shipping via Priority will be 20.00 USD (special packing required) and via Express will be 45.00 USD. International rates will be 65.00 USD via USPS International EMS. If you have a FEDEX or UPS account number, I would be happy to use it as an alternative.
Insurance: Insurance is additional and required. It will be billed at 1 USD per 100 USD of indemnity. So, calculate 10 USD per 1000 dollars of coverage. Alternatively, if you have a FEDEX or USP account you wish to use, the insurance will be billed to your account.
Please contact me with any questions before placing your bid.